Bargain Mama Column

Q: "I am a military wife and I am now pregnant with our first baby! We just moved here to San Diego from out of state. Do you have any suggestions of where to find quality, yet cheap clothes and affordable necessities for my baby?"

A: Anyone who has babies knows how costly they can be, so good for you for searching out ways to save money in preparing for this life-altering event. I highly recommend that you look into The Parent Connection, a unique organization for parents and kids, sponsored by Scripps Hospital. One of the events that they sponsor is a bi-annual family swap meet. Also, Your Baby’s Closet is a fantastic mass consignment event that occurs a couple times a year, in San Diego, as well. Check San Diego Bloggin’ Mama for updated news on those events and more. Resale or consignment stores also offer a great way for you to grab some affordable merchandise for your new baby.

You can find some great items at garage sales, too! Back when my kids were very young, on Saturday mornings at the crack of dawn, my neighborhood girlfriends and I would pile in the car and scour nearby neighborhoods, searching for garage sale deals for our collective six tots…and, oh, the deals we would find! We called ourselves the ”sale boats“, as we boasted about our finds every chance we could! We would find toys, books, clothes, scooters, costumes, crafts, bikes, you name it…and top quality/gently used/often brand new!

Start early in the morning, as the best merchandise goes between 7 and 9 a.m.
Have your route mapped out using the "Pennysaver", "Craig’s List", or other resource to direct you.
Consider not shopping with others if you presume that you will be attracted to the same finds.
Don’t be afraid to take detours, but check to see that the signs have the correct date.
Shop near public schools in upper scale neighborhoods, as you will likely find clusters of homes where kids reside.
Consider buying name brand merchandise, as you’ll likely be getting better quality, and it’s beneficial if you decide to resell.
Immediately grab the items that you are considering to purchase, then sift through them a bit later.
Look carefully through board games to insure that all of the pieces are in tact.
Use good bartering techniques, and know the range you wont exceed.
Do not exhibit your enthusiasm when you find what you are looking for, unless you want the asking price to double!
Purchase only what you think you’ll really make use of.

Best of luck to you and your new family, and thank your husband for his devotion to our country!

San Diego Bargain Mama.com is a great resource for parents who are looking for valuable products, quality services, and family-friendly events at affordable prices.